Omaha daily bee., 1887-07-21
TIE NEWS In THE BLUFFS.
Rumors Concerning the Purpose Of the
Big Land Deal.
SHOOTING At A wATCHMAN.
Long Asks For q Receiver For
Ciark's Affairs-Law SUITS Over .
Dead Mans Gold-Preparing
For the Regatta.
Real Estate RumOrs.


The announcement of the deciding of
100000 Of land by Colonel Tower to the
East Omaha land company has called
forth many inquiries as to what this
really means. Various conjectures are
expressed as to the real purport of the
move, and what is to be done with the
1900 acres of land thus conveyed. The
land is largely on the other side OF the
river and embracing what is known as
the island, which was recently the ground
for the sensational rush of squatters
There is quite a complicated real estate
history in connection with the various
claims of title for some of this land. The
shifting around of the river into new
channel, the accretlons, ETC., all join in
mixing the claims. The East Omaha
land company is the name of syn
dicate of prominent and wealthy men,
and their securing the title to so much land
in this vicinity is for purpose, but no
one seems to be ready to announce just
what the purpose is. The most SEEM
ingly probable explanation is that the
syndicate has laid claim to this large
amount of land for the purpose of max
ing some great improvements there. 1t
is reported that the B. IL Nj. railway is
interested largely in the plan, and that
]he purprpose is to first to 90 before con-
greSs at its next session and secure an
appropriation from the government for
improving the river at that point. BY
protecting the face of the island it will
the low places and grading the ground
so that 1t can be improved without dan
ger from overHows from the river, or
cutting away.
When thus sure foundation is made
the ground will be used for railroad
yards factories, lumber yards. etc., and
viii! become valuable. Such is said
to be the outline of the dream of the
future. A suit was started here yester-
day by the company against DIR. Thomas
Jefferis, who is the most prominent of
the squatters. He has built him large
house, barn. etc, and is making i'm
provements right along. The company
claims that it has the title to the land,
and that he should give up possession
The courts will have to decide, as DR..
Jefferis is equally confident that the land
is government land and as such could be
taken up by him, and held. There is
q report that the Chicago, Milwaukee &
st. Paul railway is thinking of putting
Its proposed bridge across the river near
the point in controversy, and it is whis-
pered that the prospect of getting plenty
of yard room. the prospect of securing
factories and other business there, enter
into the calculation with this company,
as we'll as the desirabillty of the river
crossing at that point, there being but a
short distance to 60 to get to bed rock.
In all of these large enterprises there is
mystery attending their purposes, and
the men in charge do not shout their
plans from the housetop, but the reports.
coming from those who are in a condition
to at least guess wisely, are given for
what they are worth.
In case move is made to secure an
appropriation for the protecting of the
face of the island, that will be matter
in which Council Bluffs will be con.
cerned. There may be danger caused to
throwing it over against this side so as to
cause cutting or overflow. This matter
will be watched closely and the move
will be looked to sharply.